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PMS 437

Mapping References

  1. Online Data Sources
  2. Desktop Applications
  3. Google Earth Pro
  4. Mobile Applications

Online Data Sources

In addition to the following national sources, inquire about local GIS resource availability.

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Desktop Applications

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Google EarthPro

Settings

Viewing 3D Terrain in Google Earth Pro requires selecting the terrain option from the bottom of the layers portion of the left side menu.

Resources

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Mobile Applications

Collector for ArcGIS

Collector works on iOS, Android, and Windows 10 and allows the user to collect and update information in the field, take maps and data offline, sync changes when connected, attribute data collection with easy-to-use map-driven forms, and capture and share photos and videos.

Avenza Maps and Pro Subscriptions

Avenza Maps is GIS technology available on Apple, Android, and Windows devices for navigation, information collection, and sharing geographic information and knowledge. It displays geospatial PDF, GeoPDF® and GeoTIFF and interacts with the GPS on the device, allowing the user to record GPS tracks, add placemarks, and find places.

Avenza Maps Pro users will be able to import and export shapefiles and current capabilities of the Avenza PDF Maps App in terms of data collection and editing but with Avenza Maps Pro, shapefiles are a supported import/export format. More features will be added, over time. It is a subscription service, requiring registration of individual devices. 

With the release of the Pro version, the current standard Avenza PDF Maps App will be changing, the most significant change will be users may only access five maps at any time on their device, unless the maps have all been obtained from the Avenza Map Store. It is strongly recommended that all users upgrade to the new Avenza Maps Pro version.

Avenza Maps Pro may be available under an enterprise license contract through the U.S. Forest Service.

Other Products

  • Gaia GPS and GaiaPro - Gaia GPS integrates topo maps, offline navigation tools, and planning features, seamlessly across phones, tablets, and gaiagps.com. GaiaPro spans Gaia GPS on iOS, and Android. GaiaPro is an upgrade to the standard application, including custom maps, premium satellite imagery, public land, hunting zones, and tools including layered maps, area measurement, and printing.
  • You Need a Map - A map that works in Apple IOS to provide coverage of the US without a cell phone signal, showing not just roads but also terrain, streams, lakes, and other landmarks.
  • Theodolite 

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NWCG Latest Announcements

WFSTAR 2026 Core Components Module Package and 2025 Fire Year in Review Now Available

Date:  March 23, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Joe Schindel

The 2026 Core Components Module Package for RT-130, Wildland Fire Safety Training Annual Refresher (WFSTAR) and the 2025 Fire Year in Review are now available on the NWCG website. The 2026 Core Components Module Package provides all content needed to deliver RT-130.

References:

2026 Core Components Module Package

2025 Fire Year in Review Module

NEW! S-490, Advanced Fire Behavior Calculations (Blended) Available Now

Date:  March 17, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Fire Behavior Subcommittee

NWCG is pleased to announce that the new S-490, Advanced Fire Behavior Calculations (Blended), 2026 course is now available.

This training includes performance-based activities that allow students to apply the knowledge and concepts required for the Fire Behavior Analyst (FBAN), Long Term Fire Analyst (LTAN), and Prescribed Fire Burn Boss Type 1 (RXB1) positions. It supports individuals working towards these incident qualifications.

This blended course begins with a self-paced online training (OLT) in the Wildland Fire Learning Portal (WFLP), followed by an in-person instructor-led training (ILT).

References:

S-490, Advanced Fire Calculations (Blended)

NWCG Fire Behavior Analyst (FBAN) Position Page

NWCG Long Term Fire Analyst (LTAN) Position Page

NWCG Prescribed Fire Burn Boss Type 1 (RXB1) Position Page

2024 Paul Gleason Award Winners Announced

Date:  March 13, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Leadership Committee

The NWCG Leadership Committee is proud to announce the recipients of the 2024 Paul Gleason "Lead By Example" awards. Award categories include Initiative and Innovation, Mentoring and Teamwork, Motivation and Vision, as well as a Lifetime Achievement Award.

Congratulations to the awardees:

  • Justin Baxter, National Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) Operations Specialist, with the U.S. Forest Service — Initiative and Innovation
  • Kelly Woods, Director of the Wildland Firefighting Lessons Learned Center — Mentoring and Teamwork
  • Doug Booster, Instructor, ProHealth Net, Inc. — Motivation and Vision
  • Pam McDonald, Writer-Editor for the National Interagency Fire Center — Lifetime Achievement Award

References:

Paul Gleason Lead By Example Award

Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program (WFLDP)

Leadership Committee

NEW! S-231, Engine Boss Course Available Now

Date:  March 6, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Incident Operations Subcommittee

NWCG is pleased to announce the new S-231, Engine Boss (Single Resource) course is now available on the Wildland Fire Learning Portal (WFLP). Developed through the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) effort, this training supports individuals working towards Engine Boss, Single Resource (ENGB) incident qualifications. 

This is a performance-based instructor-led training (ILT) that focuses on the application of ENGB responsibilities during wildland fire operations, emphasizing readiness, information gathering, risk management, engine tactics, and Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) operations. Trainees apply these skills through scenario-based group work and an optional field day that reinforces hands-on engine operation tasks. 

References:

S-231, Engine Boss (Single Resource) (Instructor-led)

NWCG Engine Boss, Single Resource (ENGB) Position Page

Wildland Fire Learning Portal